Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 01:26:14 -0500
From: malecki-AT-algonet.se (Robert Malecki)
Subject: Re: M-G: Re: Table manners according to Doug H


>Doug Henwood <dhenwood-AT-panix.com> wrote:
>
>> I
>> think good language, good thinking, and good art shouldn't be the province
>> of the educated bourgeoisie alone. I think they should be the universal
>> property of humankind, and that this should be one of the central goals of
>> socialism.
>
>What has the above to do with Marxism? You speak of "good language" ... I
>ask *whose* language?  "Good thinking"?  The thinking of *what class*?
>"Good art" ... *for whom by whom*? 
>
>It may not have occurred to you but language, "thinking", and art
>are historically created and socially-specific rather than being
>trans-historical and "universal." 
>
>[btw, Doug's suggestion that the "universal" ... "good language" is proper
>English is an example of national chauvinism. I wonder: do others agree
>that one of the "central goals of socialism" should be the Queen's  
>English?].
>
>Jerry

The language question is always decided by who rules and their lackies..What 
is really important is that all learn to read and write in any language they 
please..

Bob Malecki



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